U Sports continues to develop as a league and bring better talent. Each year programs like British Columbia and Concordia are producing pro level players, and other school's are catching up in their development.
This year Chanreet Bassi from the University of British Columbia became the third U Sports player ever to hear her name called at the PWHL Draft.
Here's a look at a group of U Sports players ahead of the 2025-26 season who could challenge for recognition in the PWHL Draft, or emerge as standouts with eligibility remaining.
1. Grace Elliott, F, British Columbia
Coming off a season where she led the nation in scoring, the reigning U Sports Player of the Year and First Team All-Canadian is a dominant force. Standing 6-foot-1, Elliott is a force who UBC relies on both offensively and in a defensive role. She's a legitimate PWHL prospect.
2. Emilie Lussier, F, Concordia
The Concordia star and First Team All-Canadian is only entering her third season in U Sports, and she continues to get stronger and more dominant. Lussier had 18 goals and 31 points in 20 games last season. The former Canadian U-18 national team member also scored two points per game for Canada at the FISU Winter Games.
3. Jaylyn Morris, D, British Columbia
One of the best puck moving blueliners in U Sports, Morris sees the ice well and distributes well. She was Canada West's Defender of the Year.
4. Gabrielle Santerre, F, Bishop's
The 2024 U Sports Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year, Santerre saw a drop in production this year, but the result was no different. She's an impact player, and Bishop's won a national title.
5. Carly Orth, F, Waterloo
Orth exploded onto the scene this year on a strong Waterloo Warriors team. She had her best offensive season and the 5-foot-10 forward
6. Kara Mark, G, Waterloo
Another member of Waterloo's strong team, Mark combines size at 5-foot-11, and has been a model of consistent netminding.
7. Abbey Lunney, F, Nipissing
8. Grace Beer, G, Dalhousie
9. Katelyn Scott, F, New Brunswick
10. Mackenzie Keenan, D, New Brunswick
Honourable Mention
Ashley Delahey, F, Toronto; Mackenzie Lothian, D, St. FX; Clara Chisholm, F, Wilfrid Laurier; Grace Glover, G, Alberta; Noemie Fontaine, F, Bishop's; Naomi Morin, F, Ottawa; Sydney Hood, D, Brock; Sam Morrison, F, St. FX; Katina Duscio, D, Waterloo; Ashlyn Kroes, F, Waterloo.